Man, i've jumped across multiple high-end audio online stores in order to ask for advice via email or online chat, and have tried forums as well. After getting frustrated with their lack of knowledge and overall inconsistency, stumbling onto these videos is a breath of fresh air! I had all my questions answered in just two consise videos, without having to even ask. Cheers.
I asked about subwoofer connection a day ago and you kindly answered my question. Your recommendation of connecting the sub directly to the amplifier has intrigued me. My sub is a JL Audio e112 ( a pair ). When I got them, I took advantage of their technical help which is is an over the phone call. I have Ariel 7 Floor Standing Speakers. Conrad Johnson Pre-amp and Amp. The Technician advised me to take cables from the Pre-amp Out to the JL e112’s Input and the JL e 112’s Outs to the Imputs of the Amp. Obviously using the right and left connections separately. The e112’s have a Crossover knob and a Phase knob and also a flip switch for 180 or O settings . Finally using the recommended crossover settings and then setting the phase to get the best response.
Paul, I cannot thank you enough for this tidbit of info. While I knew this option for connecting equipment together existed, I had no idea how much of an improvement in sound quality it would make. Even on my entry level system consisting of an older Pioneer A/V receiver, a pair of Polk S20 bookshelf speakers and an ancient (lol) Sony 125w 12" subwoofer. (go ahead and feel free to laugh guys)
Paul, you got it only partially right. You will need to high-pass the main speakers to perfectly match output, reduce IMD and save some power handling (also energy). That's why the correct way of connecting a subwoofer is through a crossover, be it digital or analog.
what type of crossover product would you recommend for this? Ive also been wondering the same thing, thinking I can use the internal crossover in my AVR by using a second zone to send to the sub. I would much rather not have to use the second zone as it doesn't have the same delay adjustability as my main LR output.
For LFE or "SUB" output, whether mono or stereo, I like to use shielded RCA cables. I make my own using shielded alarm cable and attatching the cable's shield to the RCA's shield on one end only, I chose the receiver end. It works great. The cable's aluminum shield "absorbs" any electrical noise and grounds it through the receiver. It sounds better than any other cable I've used, and allowed me to run it behind walls and cut to perfect length.
I have gotta say, between your knowledge, your passion, and your sheer charm I have a hard time breaking away from watching your videos. Thanks for sharing the wealth, Mr. McGowan!
Due to space limitations I can't have a fully separate set of speakers for my stereo and my home theater (plus I like to listen to multi-channel music sometimes, sue me ;) ), so I have my receiver with pre-amp outs running into a preamp with HT bypass into a 2 channel amp for my front/stereo speakers, which I have a smaller sealed sub connected from the amp to the high level inputs, I then have two ported subs connected to the '.2' outputs of my receiver, and I set my front speakers to 'large' so they aren't crossed over there and the other channels and LFE go to the other subs. I really like that setup.
Fantastic explanation Paul. As someone who has dabbled in professional audio equipment for 20 years, I have somehow dodged the use of a subwoofer. Now I don't feel so insecure when I see one, and will look to purchase an active unit to play around with.
Gave this a shot today with my Carver TrueSub. Love it! I find it blends with the music much more cohesively, and has far less of the "bump" sound commonly associated with a powered sub.
It is amazing the difference a sub woofer makes. When i moved from a house into an apartment i had to downsize my system.... happily replaced my floor standers with smaller bookshelf speakers.... but i had to keep the sub.
Wow just learned something new today from this video,I always assumed that you get a cleaner signal from your rca output but just the opposite gotta try this out when I get time
Great video, Paul! I wanted to comment here that I recently made the switch from low level (RCA) inputs to high level (speaker) inputs on my Klipsch subwoofer. I was skeptical but the difference literally was night and day. Can't thank you enough for the encouragement.
Thanks Paul, nice presentation and very useful. Might I add that a main reason for using the high-level connection is that you can just set the SW volume and cross-over levels once and forget about it. When using the line input you have to keep adjusting the SW volume every time you adjust the main volume. Not the way to go. Additionally, my SW has an auto power on/off, responding to the input signal. I do not even have to switch it on and off.
This is interesting. This is how I've connected to my sub. I'm using a NAD 2600 amplifier with an extra set of speaker wires to a basic Energy subwoofer (that has the high level inputs). What amazes me is that no matter how loud I push the system (and it will be super clean and too loud even for me) the Energy sub never has a problem. No bottoming out. No distortion. It actually keeps up, although at some point (I feel) where the volume is high, the sub doesn't get any louder. All in all this has always amazed me. I've always attributed this to the NAD (and built in protection of the Energy sub). And yes, it makes my ordinary speakers sing.
Actually the channel LFE ( the .1 thing) is no more used by IMax. They use this channel for "height channel ". Bass management ( summing all channels using a op-amp , usually called as buffer and then it will go through signal processing ( in case of DSP) or active filter and phase correction of required. So go for an active filter ( you can do it yourself using any good op amp chips or buy a ready made subwoofer filter board and then fed the output to any class D amp board ( go for tda8954 if you have dual power supply or tda7498 or just use a class AB - tda 7293 bridge parellel to deliver true 400 watts
How should i then connect my Naim Uniti Atom to my B&W PV1 sub which only has one RCA-input? I want the low frequencies from both the L and R signal, or is it ok to choose one of them only?
Just came across this now, and wow, I didn't expect it. I would have thought a dedicated sub out was best, but this advice makes sense in the realm of audio. Thanks!
Didn’t have a subwoofer out on my amp so I ran the PSW 10 subwoofer line in off the left speaker input and it sounds great. I was afraid it would miss some of the bass but it didn’t. Left or right or combined it sounds the same- great! 👍👍👍
I can’t believe I have discovered this channel just recently. The amount of valuable info is amazing! Thank you for all you do and I’m going to take on the invitation to Colorado and start saving. Because I know I will be converted and will be buying some of the hi fi from PS audio
Great video. So if you use the speaker binding posts of the amplifier, do you have two sets of wires connected? One that runs to the speakers and one that runs to the sub?
Paul, your clear and intelligent suggestions enabled me to hook up my 'vintage' Technics Amp to my Energy MS Sub. (now sounds great) You simplified a task that cut thru all the online 'Gumbo'. Bravo and Thanks
I hooked up my Rel T9 sub to the high level output on my new Cyrus One amp to the speaker terminals like you said but it just made a throbbing sound on my sub. There are 4 terminals for each speaker on the amp for bi wiring so I hooked them up to the same ones as the speakers. Will need to figure this one out as I do what to have full range on my speakers. I love your channel Paul all the way from Scotland.
I have the B&W ASW608 sub I just purchased. I have a Denon 9.2 receiver. Do I connect both "line out" cables to the receiver, or just one? Sorry, new to being an audiophile. I have a B&W 9.1 setup going (2 atmos speakers included) (no amp, just receiver)
Added a pair of Rel T5 subs into my two channel system about 5 years ago, connected as you suggest, and have never looked back. I'm actually not a fan of excessive bass, just want to be able to hear the full range of the recording. Would have to say, other than changing speakers, it has been easily the biggest upgrade I have made in my system. Highly recommended. Great vid Paul.
I'm just a newbie to this, but am baffled as to "how" a pair of subs can be added to a system when only one "sub out" is usually in integrated amps, how did you add your two subs if you don't mind me asking? And what amp did you use to add them?
This is very confusing. I have always heard that the best way to send a signal to a sub is through the low level (RCA) outputs. Which makes perfect sense to me as I would think the amplified signal (from the speaker outputs on the amp/receiver) would be degraded by the crossover network in the sub. I'd like to know if this is true or not. I just feel very leery of sending a high level signal to a sub crossover and expecting it to not be affected in some way. Great channel by the way!!!
Thank you for this video! I am re-arranging my humble system and was going to use the RCA jacks on my M&K sub thinking it would be a preferred setup. I was wrong and I thank you for explaining to me the how & why of using the speaker outs instead of the preamp outs. Very much appreciate!
When Paul says to run a sub off of the power amp, does this mean to run speaker cables from the power amp to the sub, and then from the sub to your main speakers?
Hi Paul. I have a Heathkit AP-1800 Preamp in use with an older Kenwood KM-207. The Kenwood's Channel A Spk output is taking care of 2 tower speakers and the Channel B is available. The Heathkit AP-1800 also has hi-level speakers outputs available. However, the Heathkit has an "adapter" switch which is allowing me to use my Audio Control 520 to fine tune the levels within the Heathkit. The 520 doesn't degrade the sound quality of the Heathkit, so I want to keep using it. Will the high-level speaker outputs on the Heathkit be sending a signal that's been filtered by the Audio Control 520 to my powdered subwoofer? I apologize if I'm wasting your time, as you already stated to use the amplifier high-level Spkr outputs for the sub. I guess what I'm really asking is, would there be any potential benefit to using the Spkr outputs from the preamp Vs the Spkr outputs from the Kenwood Amp? Sorry. 😳 Thank you.
As always you make learning feel like a fire side chat. I am keen to take your advice, my Active Sub does have Speaker level inputs. My Power amp only has L and R outs so I would have to use Y connectors or equivalent. Just to be shore I understand, you still recommend that? It does not 'Lessen' the main Speaker's feed or affect them ? From the logic of the Sub, the 'Crossover' does make sense it will not draw on the high frequencies ,I presume?
So please would you give me some pointers on how to run a REL T 5/x with high level output and an Advance Paris A 12 Classic integrated amp which has those big no no dedicated subwoofer out jacks. They‘re even customizable on that big block of an amp but I‘d like to integrate the REL in the best possible way to achieve the best sound .
My TBI DPM subs have never had a problem with disappearing no what pre-amps and/or amp and speaker combinations I have used. And I have always chosen the low level pre outs. Perfect sound!
Seemed like a simple answer to a simple question but it took 7 minutes to get there ! LOL Love your stuff Paul , I was a big fan of Julian Hirsch and you remind me of him somewhat . Thanks as always for your insight
I’ve been doing this for years and absolutely love the sound. Audiophile snobs all had their opinions that I listened to but kept doing what I was doing. Why? Because I liked the sound and that’s why we own such luxuries is for the the sound reproduction that we personally enjoy. Thanks Paul
hmm ... by explaining just the active subwoofer case he omits the answer I was hoping to get. how you mix both stereo channels to connect it to the sub. no problem with an active one, but what you do with a passive sub?
If I am running my preamp out to my SVS subwoofer which has its own built in amp, am I running the regular low level pre-amp output to the subwoofer input? Not the high level tape type output correct? My amplifiers don't have outputs. Thank you!
What would be the best option to hook a passive sub to a Behringer Europower PMP 2000? I would like to run it with my other mains in stereo. My 15's are hooked to right/left main out and I have two 8 inch cabs daisy chained to right and left. Thanks for any advice.
My thoughts on this Is that if one is running bookshelf speakers then the speaker output / input suggestion to “sub” makes a lot of sense and should produce good results. By performing this suggestion the “sub” woofer is now acting as a “woofer” and subwoofer combo. What this is really saying though is that ideally the main speakers themselves should produce the “woofer” level. Floor standing speakers have this “woofer” section covered. Bookshelf speakers often use 1 6.5 or 5 or 4 in driver to produce mid bass and mids. We use a “sub” woofer to help fill in the bass. Too often sub maybe too big so there is deep bass and mids but no hard tight mid bass punch/kick. This is why I’m a fan of floor standing speakers that has a dedicated “woofer”. When paired with a “sub” woofer even better. I’m actually using the LFE sub outputs (have 2) from my pre-amp/ssp. So I’m technically running through two crossovers. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. This can potentially reduce the 120hz hump some experience when combining woofer and subwoofers. I’m running amps to all speakers. 200x2 amp and 200x3 and 1 sub box with 2 12 in drivers one down-firing and the sub amp also has 200w. Bass is clean and tight and deep.
Question : If you have an AV amp with LFE pre out sub connected (5.1) and want to connect it for 2channel stereo as well via the speaker terminals.., is that possible ?
My sub (an active one) is connected exactly the way Paul sais (from the speaker power outputs of my amp) and the sound of my system is indeed amazingly rich. With a natural bass (deep and light in the same time), completely different than the one my home cinema system is producing. Perfect for music enjoyment. 😌🎶
Thanks for trying to address this topic. I was hoping to see the actual connections between the amplifier output and the subwoofer input. In this video it's not possible to see the amplifier outputs you are pointing at. Are you using both the positive and negative terminals, just as you would wire output speakers? Also, does that parallel connection affect the overall ohms the amplifier 'sees' at the output, or is the sub effectively out of the circuit?
Could the active subs share the same XLR outputs that are being connected to the speakers? If so, then could the subs be connected to the speaker terminals since there are no more spare XLR outputs available for the subs to connect to?
Could you please assist me. I have a Sony HT-M22 (5.1ch), but I don't like the bass. How can I connect an active sub to it, can I use the front channels to power it, I'm just afraid that the frequencies will not be low enough from the front channels
Hello Paul. Can you tell me if SVS SB-12-NSD has a high level input. I dont see it but it, is SVS, and not so cheep, so Im hoping Im wrong when I think it does not have it.
Do you mean the speaker cable outputs from the power amp to the the sub high level speaker cable inputs? And if the sub is active, will it not stress the output of the power amp, which is also feeding the main system stereo speakers? Can I then double wire from the power amp speaker output terminals?
I have a Denon avr x2500 7.2 im not an educated audiophile but want to learn. My understanding was to run a monster cable from my pre out to my speaker. Am I correct?
Hello can you advice I have two subwoofers b&w asw610 and integrated network amp marantz pm7000n with only one sub pre out ,what is the best connection for this setup should I use Y subwoofer splitter and two rca mono cables for each sub or use speakers line connection with speakers cables R+L chanels?.Regards.Peter
Paul, just watched how to connect a subwooder to an amp without a subwoofer connection. Can you show where you connected it. Left/ rt speaker out? Thanks
I have powered speakers with both XLR and TRS inputs for my yamaha keyboard. I also have a powered subwoofer with rca inputs. If I'm using the TRS inputs of the speakers, can I tap off of their XLR inputs to run to my sub's RCA inputs (with adapters of course)? In other words, are both of these inputs wired together on each speaker?
Sorry Paul I'm a bit confused here, 😕 how can you hear the Sub if it's coming out of the RCA, your chosen source ie cd 💿 is chosen by the dial on the front and your sub is coming out of say Aux, ya can't choose both?
A question for someone with experience. My nice new preamp has only 1 set of speaker outs. I want to run 2 powered subs in stereo. Can I just piggyback the sub cables into the main speaker outs, into the subs? I don't want to run my main speakers from the subs.
Hi Paul, i have a question. I have a denon Amplifier PMA 600 NE, connected to my Dali Oberon 3 speakers. I want to connect the REL T5i subwoofer, which connections of the subwoofer that will give me the best sound effects. note the denon amp as a subwoofer out put.
Hey Paul. I have a Velodyne Sub with High Level Speaker In/Out. I have speaker cables going from amplifier to the sub's High Level Speaker In (banana plugs both ends) and using the sub's Speaker Outputs to connect to my speakers. Is there any advantage in doing a parallel connection from amp to sub and speakers? Cheers.
Do you need it to connect on both left and right high level speaker level input from subwoofer to the left and right output speaker level of the amplifier? Thanks.
what then would I set the gain knob to on the subwoofers to match the signal coming from the amp on my pre/volume as? Is there a meter that sees this or just turn up till it seems to fill with the speaker? Thanks.
I still don't understand how to hook up a powered sub to my power amp output since there's only one output connector per side. Do I just make a custom splitter to send the power amp output to a speaker in parallel with the hi level input of the active sub?
I’ve only just discovered PSAudio as a company and am so happy I did. Have watched heaps of Pauls’ videos now and everything he says resonates (see what I did there). RE: the subs, this validates everything I’ve come to know as well. I’ve got two REL T5/i subs, wired directly to the amp (one right, one left) in a 2.2 setup providing low end support for a pair of B&W CM5s2 bookshelf speakers (this is the last model B&W ever did with Kevlar yellow driver that didn’t have that horrible and bright tweeter-on-top design. My DAC is old... Emotiva XDA-2... 7 years old and doesn’t get the most out of this setup. On the hunt now for a replacement and PSAudio is top of my list, but harder to find in Australia. PS: Being in Boulder is icing on the cake! Colorado rocky mountain high!!
Aloha from Hawaii! Excellent video Paul, I really appreciate your attention to detail in your explanations. One follow-up question though - Should I run the speaker wire from the power amp to the high-level input of the sub, then run more wire from the subs high level output to the speakers (hopefully using the subs built in crossover), or should I run wire from speaker A to my mains, and wire from speaker B to the sub and run them in parallel? Any help is appreciated.
Hi, I have a Naim atom and I currently have a sub connected to a pre out on the back of the amp, I am looking at changing this to a high level input but I’m worried as I have heard that it can blow the amp if not connected correctly. The amp is a Class a/b amp and I have seen a REL video that connects to both positives on and 1 negative on the amp and then it has a big connector on the sub. My question is how do I connect a regular sub via high level. Do I just come of the terminals on the amp directly to the same terminals on the sub or do I need to be careful and rig it in a particular way?
Paul, good video. BUt How do you connect the AMP (in my case a NAD 2600 AMP combined with a NAD 1300 Pre-Amp), to the Hi Level connects on the SW (I have a Monoprice 60 Watt which has both RCA inputs and Hi gh Level connection capabilities). The NAD being 33 years ol, does not have dedicated SW outputs . Is it done via the Speaker connections?
Yes, exactly. Your sub has the right inputs so just parallel another set of speaker cables off the amp (or daisy chain from and speaker out to sub speaker level in then onwards to your speakers)
Thx Paul. By daisey chain you mean , splicing into the speaker out wires or making a second connection from either Speaker A and or Speaker B outs to the sw? If i do connect a second set of speaker wires to SW , and I have 4 speakers connected (A and B), do i need to connect both a and b speaker outs to the SW?
Paul, correction. I confused my issue. I intend to use the Monoprice 60 Watt SW with the previously mentioned NAD stereo in the LR. With that system, i have a single pair of KEF 103s ( also 33 years and still sound fantastic), so disregard the other question. I have a Pyle BT 3000 cheap Amp AV Receiver connected to a 2 sets of bookshelf speakers in the basement for music playing in the New Home office and to accompany me while playing ( or attempti ng to play) my drum set. The SW is connected to the dedicated SW outs on the Pyle Amp, directly into tne SW via RCA inputs. But while playing music cds, vinyl records or cassette tapes, i dont hear the SW kicking in to any real substantive level. Even turning the SW up ? Could it be it is more directed to kick in with video. That's what i suspect is happening. Thx again for your advice.
@@Chiroman527 You can't mix A and B outputs unless they are identical and then you don't need to. The speaker cables from A, let's say, go directly to the subwoofer. Then from there, tie a second set of speaker cables in parallel at the subwoofer's inputs and then those go to your speakers.
I need help. The video cuts off on the bottom so I can't see where he's plugging it into the receiver. I have an active sub with high level input, so where do I plug it into my marantz Sr5500? I'm using just 2 front speakers and need to add said sub. Thx
I've been using my headphone jack for a line out. into a 4 way crossover then into my sub amp. dose the headphone jack even have the sub-lows for a sub?
Hi Paul once again is the glass half full or is the glass half empty you remind me of my grandfather with Alzheimer's thanks Paul and have a great day😊
I have a slightly different question. I have a pair of Polk Audio tower speakers. super high quality. although they're 20 years old and had Very little use. (maybe one year) they have 2 8 inch subwoofers. they look identical from the outside. 1 woofer is active. the speaker itself has a built in amp. and the other woofer is a passive woofer. how to I wire the 2 subwoofers to the amp? otherwise. instead of having 1 powered sub. having both being active subwoofers? thanks.
Thank you Mr. Paul, In my closet of stereo stuff I haven’t used in years in a Yamaha YST SW200 sub. It has speaker level in /out and RCA in. Q1. Could I use the outs of the speakers level in /out and go to my audiophile speakers without degrading the audio signal to the speakers? Q2. I have a Yamaha receiver that has speaker B outs. I could use the B channel just to power the sub. The knob has a speaker A plus B Q3. I would like to use my McIntosh 2100 with either the Magnaplanars, Vandersteens or Focals. I like the smoothness of a vacuum amplifier in the same way that the analogue tv’s displayed differing gradations of gray to black vs a digital tv whereby you see big jumps or lines of contrast where the grays go to black. In either setup I would like to add my Yamaha YST. I could series the speakers and sub and then just use the higher resistance speaker out on the McIntosh. Q4. I could leave the music source to the McIntosh to the front speakers uncorrupted and use a powered RCA splitter (I have one) from the music source directly to a splitter then one pair out to the McIntosh 2100 and the other to the active RCA in on the subwoofer. I am unsure if the active RCA splitter injects noise or distortion unwanted into the 2100 signal path?
I have a few subs that only have RCA socket inputs, so I ended up modifying a few amplifiers to suit, all I am doing is taking the main amp stereo outs and running them though a simple voltage divider (no sub filtering etc) to feed an RCA socket 'sub out' socket. My initial reason for doing it this way was there was insufficient level from the main volume control, and the only other point past there is the main amp out's. I wanted the feed to be after the system's main volume control so that the sub's volume follows the main L&R stereo out levels.
I'm using powered subs and I let my Dirac system sort out the woofing. I do have outputs for the subs on my preamp. Have you tried the Dirac system Paul?
Thanks Paul, I took your advice and hooked up my Dual SVS PB-1000 subs to the high level inputs using speaker cable from my XPA-2 amplifier. It did make a difference, one that I immediately heard. I am still dialing it in, but the sound, especially with 2 channel audio is more natural, blending in nicely with my SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers. I'm really liking the new sound.
@@kennethroymonterroyo5657 You can use two Y cables or two RCA adapters, one male RCA input with two Female RCA outputs x 2. Pretty easy to do. I have my SB3000 subs hooked up using the RCA adapters I bought on Amazon. RCA F Splitter Plug Adapter 1 Male to 2 Female Adapter - RCA Male to RCA Dual Female (4 Pack)
If you do use the RCA outputs of a preamp be aware the extra load (resistive and capacitive) could present a problem if the preamp doesn't have low impedence output - some older preamps may not have low impedance outputs. If you suspect this just listen to the system with the sub sifnal cable disconnected and again with the cable connected but the sub powered off. If the high frequency response seems off with the sub connected you may have to find a different solution.
What about amps (e.g. many of the tube integrated ones) that have taps for only one set of speakers? I can think of some that have an 0 Ohm, a 4 Ohm and a 8 Ohm tap FOR EACH channel. Say you have a pair of 4 or 8 Ohm bookshelf speakers. You connect their positive to the 4 or 8 Ohm tap, and their negative to the 0 Ohm tap. Does this leave any room for SW connection?
Excellent video! Do you prefer connecting power amp >Sub >speakers to take stress off the mains using the subwoofers crossover, or power amp > Sub & speakers to just add punch? I have an Onkyo 504 which has speakers A, or B, or A+B, so I could technically switch the sub signal off and on which is nice, but this wouldn't cut any frequencies out from my mains.
We have a REL328 it's awesome. Connected as the maker recommended. Sub LFE output from home theatre amp to the sub input on the REL, and the speaker cable left / right Piggy backed from the dedicated front Left and right amp to the REL high level input. That dedicated front left / right amp is also for dedicated music listening. All works brilliantly.
Very informative video, thanks! I would like to ask if you think Paul that one Subwoofer is adequate or not. To everybody on this thread: does high level input on your SVS sub sound good? I have REL sub that I know that it does sound very good but I am not sure about other brands like SVS. Thanks in advance!
Hi, one question: Should I connect the sub in parallel to the speakers or connect the speakers to the sub? My sub has power amp inputs and also outputs to speakers. Currently I run it from the preamp out but I want to try out your suggestion here.
Hi there Paul, Got a question you may have encountered before.Currently running a av set up with a denon x4500avr.This has 2 sub outputs.Running it to play music and movies independently so the stereo side of things run through a pre and power amp.Hoping to add 2 subs as an upgrade over my old faithful MJ Acoustics sub which does a splendid job of simultaneously running the av and stereo side of things,without me messing around with switches to constantly change.Any thoughts on any subs that may fit this criteria,preferably 2 when time comes. Best regards Pete
I'd love to see how you connect speaker terminal outputs on a power amplifier to any powered subwoofer. Just an extra set of speaker cables, in addition to the cables connected to the speakers the amp is already powering?
No, you need a special High Level to Low Level adapter cable for this, it's also used in the car industry to connect a sub to an amplifier that doesn't have an other pre outputs, I am also looking for it, in mine opinion PS audio is missing an opportunity here not making such a cable for all subwoofer enthusiasts that want to connect their sub to their amplifier outputs...
Actually the channel LFE ( the .1 thing) is no more used by IMax. They use this channel for "height channel ". Bass management ( summing all channels using a op-amp , usually called as buffer and then it will go through signal processing ( in case of DSP) or active filter and phase correction of required. So go for an active filter ( you can do it yourself using any good op amp chips or buy a ready made subwoofer filter board and then fed the output to any class D amp board ( go for tda8954 if you have dual power supply or tda7498 or just use a class AB - tda 7293 bridge parellel to deliver true 400 watts
I agree with Paul, active sub connected to the amplifiers output. I recently bought an Audio Physic Terra, the original before it was named Rhea...My God, it is absolutely fantastic. Have a large room, and this beast can do 10hz almost flat..and when you stand right in front of it when playing REAL deep bass, you wonder whether it is active or not, you hear and feel nothing where it is. Once upon, and still, referred to as one of the few "True Subs"
I’m using a Logitech subwoofer that Came with my old computer speaker set. I have run the rca subwoofer Chablé from Walmart from the auxiliary RCA jack in the back, to the subwoofer out of an old Yamaha AVR I got off craigslist for $30. My main speakers are the Klipsch RP-150M for bedroom listening at my desk and movie watching. I got them from amazon for $260 in cherry veneer. Super happy with my purchases. Total cost including cables and avr was about $310. Happy birthday to me.
I have a passive sub, an old one that was sold by DAK. My AV receiver has a low level sub woofer output, and I'm using this to drive an external amp (70-100 watts per channel into 6 ohms which is the impedance of the DAK SW.) I use a Y cable to split the mono SW output to drive both channels of the external amp, which then drives each channel of the SW. The DAK SW is a passive one, with a speaker level crossover, it has outputs for the Left and Right main speakers, but I'm not using those. It's a dual VC speaker, and each VC is now driven by its own power amplifier.
I realize this is old video, but if you’re still listening. My JVC ja s77 amplifier has a left/right RCA pre out. Is this the same signal quality for using a sun or just stick with the speaker outs. Also say if you’re using both A and B channels and you’re running a sub with high level inputs and outputs then out to your speakers does the sun remove any of the signal? Love the channel, learning a lot.
If and when the amp has speaker 1 and speaker 2 outputs, should i hook the two subs to speaker 2 or run wiring from main speakers to subs and only use speaker 1 at the amp?
Man, i've jumped across multiple high-end audio online stores in order to ask for advice via email or online chat, and have tried forums as well. After getting frustrated with their lack of knowledge and overall inconsistency, stumbling onto these videos is a breath of fresh air! I had all my questions answered in just two consise videos, without having to even ask. Cheers.
I love the enthusiasm of this guy!! He's so patient and consise when delivering his information. Plus he made me smile at the end. What a nice guy!!
This man is national treasure in my books lol
I'm fairly new to this but I come here often for some knowledge. Thanks Paul!!
My pleasure, and thanks for the kind words!
I asked about subwoofer connection a day ago and you kindly answered my question.
Your recommendation of connecting the sub directly to the amplifier has intrigued me.
My sub is a JL Audio e112 ( a pair ). When I got them, I took advantage of their technical help which is
is an over the phone call.
I have Ariel 7 Floor Standing Speakers. Conrad Johnson Pre-amp and Amp.
The Technician advised me to take cables from the Pre-amp Out to the JL e112’s Input and the JL e 112’s Outs to the Imputs of the Amp. Obviously using the right and left connections separately.
The e112’s have a Crossover knob and a Phase knob and also a flip switch for 180 or O settings .
Finally using the recommended crossover settings and then setting the phase to get the best response.
Paul, I cannot thank you enough for this tidbit of info. While I knew this option for connecting equipment together existed, I had no idea how much of an improvement in sound quality it would make. Even on my entry level system consisting of an older Pioneer A/V receiver, a pair of Polk S20 bookshelf speakers and an ancient (lol) Sony 125w 12" subwoofer. (go ahead and feel free to laugh guys)
Paul, you got it only partially right. You will need to high-pass the main speakers to perfectly match output, reduce IMD and save some power handling (also energy). That's why the correct way of connecting a subwoofer is through a crossover, be it digital or analog.
what type of crossover product would you recommend for this? Ive also been wondering the same thing, thinking I can use the internal crossover in my AVR by using a second zone to send to the sub. I would much rather not have to use the second zone as it doesn't have the same delay adjustability as my main LR output.
For LFE or "SUB" output, whether mono or stereo, I like to use shielded RCA cables. I make my own using shielded alarm cable and attatching the cable's shield to the RCA's shield on one end only, I chose the receiver end. It works great. The cable's aluminum shield "absorbs" any electrical noise and grounds it through the receiver. It sounds better than any other cable I've used, and allowed me to run it behind walls and cut to perfect length.
I have gotta say, between your knowledge, your passion, and your sheer charm I have a hard time breaking away from watching your videos. Thanks for sharing the wealth, Mr. McGowan!
Due to space limitations I can't have a fully separate set of speakers for my stereo and my home theater (plus I like to listen to multi-channel music sometimes, sue me ;) ), so I have my receiver with pre-amp outs running into a preamp with HT bypass into a 2 channel amp for my front/stereo speakers, which I have a smaller sealed sub connected from the amp to the high level inputs, I then have two ported subs connected to the '.2' outputs of my receiver, and I set my front speakers to 'large' so they aren't crossed over there and the other channels and LFE go to the other subs. I really like that setup.
Fantastic explanation Paul. As someone who has dabbled in professional audio equipment for 20 years, I have somehow dodged the use of a subwoofer. Now I don't feel so insecure when I see one, and will look to purchase an active unit to play around with.
Gave this a shot today with my Carver TrueSub. Love it! I find it blends with the music much more cohesively, and has far less of the "bump" sound commonly associated with a powered sub.
It is amazing the difference a sub woofer makes. When i moved from a house into an apartment i had to downsize my system.... happily replaced my floor standers with smaller bookshelf speakers.... but i had to keep the sub.
Wow just learned something new today from this video,I always assumed that you get a cleaner signal from your rca output but just the opposite gotta try this out when I get time
Great video, Paul! I wanted to comment here that I recently made the switch from low level (RCA) inputs to high level (speaker) inputs on my Klipsch subwoofer. I was skeptical but the difference literally was night and day. Can't thank you enough for the encouragement.
Thank you Paul. Thank God there are some real professionals like you who guide us through the ocean of fake information.
Thanks Paul, nice presentation and very useful. Might I add that a main reason for using the high-level connection is that you can just set the SW volume and cross-over levels once and forget about it. When using the line input you have to keep adjusting the SW volume every time you adjust the main volume. Not the way to go. Additionally, my SW has an auto power on/off, responding to the input signal. I do not even have to switch it on and off.
This is interesting. This is how I've connected to my sub. I'm using a NAD 2600 amplifier with an extra set of speaker wires to a basic Energy subwoofer (that has the high level inputs). What amazes me is that no matter how loud I push the system (and it will be super clean and too loud even for me) the Energy sub never has a problem. No bottoming out. No distortion. It actually keeps up, although at some point (I feel) where the volume is high, the sub doesn't get any louder. All in all this has always amazed me. I've always attributed this to the NAD (and built in protection of the Energy sub). And yes, it makes my ordinary speakers sing.
Thanks Paul for covering my question. I now have a Rel S3 SHO sub connected and really love it.
I bet you will; great subwoofer!
Actually the channel LFE ( the .1 thing) is no more used by IMax. They use this channel for "height channel ".
Bass management ( summing all channels using a op-amp , usually called as buffer and then it will go through signal processing ( in case of DSP) or active filter and phase correction of required.
So go for an active filter ( you can do it yourself using any good op amp chips or buy a ready made subwoofer filter board and then fed the output to any class D amp board ( go for tda8954 if you have dual power supply or tda7498 or just use a class AB - tda 7293 bridge parellel to deliver true 400 watts
Hopefully using the high level inputs! haha
How should i then connect my Naim Uniti Atom to my B&W PV1 sub which only has one RCA-input? I want the low frequencies from both the L and R signal, or is it ok to choose one of them only?
Just came across this now, and wow, I didn't expect it. I would have thought a dedicated sub out was best, but this advice makes sense in the realm of audio. Thanks!
Didn’t have a subwoofer out on my amp so I ran the PSW 10 subwoofer line in off the left speaker input and it sounds great. I was afraid it would miss some of the bass but it didn’t. Left or right or combined it sounds the same- great! 👍👍👍
I can’t believe I have discovered this channel just recently. The amount of valuable info is amazing! Thank you for all you do and I’m going to take on the invitation to Colorado and start saving. Because I know I will be converted and will be buying some of the hi fi from PS audio
For a long time I've been trying to figure out who Paul sounds like. This video clinched it for me: David Letterman.
Andy B...so?
Paul has compassion in his voice that sets him way apart.
He does! Lol Great vids, very helpful...
Paul Dickerson my wife just loves Paul’s voice 😄
nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Great video. So if you use the speaker binding posts of the amplifier, do you have two sets of wires connected? One that runs to the speakers and one that runs to the sub?
Paul, your clear and intelligent suggestions enabled me to hook up my 'vintage' Technics Amp to my Energy MS Sub. (now sounds great) You simplified a task that cut thru all the online 'Gumbo'. Bravo and Thanks
I hooked up my Rel T9 sub to the high level output on my new Cyrus One amp to the speaker terminals like you said but it just made a throbbing sound on my sub. There are 4 terminals for each speaker on the amp for bi wiring so I hooked them up to the same ones as the speakers. Will need to figure this one out as I do what to have full range on my speakers. I love your channel Paul all the way from Scotland.
I have the B&W ASW608 sub I just purchased. I have a Denon 9.2
receiver. Do I connect both "line out" cables to the receiver, or just
one? Sorry, new to being an audiophile. I have a B&W 9.1 setup going
(2 atmos speakers included) (no amp, just receiver)
paul seems like a great boss. all employees are smiling at the end
Added a pair of Rel T5 subs into my two channel system about 5 years ago, connected as you suggest, and have never looked back. I'm actually not a fan of excessive bass, just want to be able to hear the full range of the recording. Would have to say, other than changing speakers, it has been easily the biggest upgrade I have made in my system. Highly recommended. Great vid Paul.
I'm just a newbie to this, but am baffled as to "how" a pair of subs can be added to a system when only one "sub out" is usually in integrated amps, how did you add your two subs if you don't mind me asking? And what amp did you use to add them?
This is very confusing. I have always heard that the best way to send a signal to a sub is through the low level (RCA) outputs. Which makes perfect sense to me as I would think the amplified signal (from the speaker outputs on the amp/receiver) would be degraded by the crossover network in the sub. I'd like to know if this is true or not. I just feel very leery of sending a high level signal to a sub crossover and expecting it to not be affected in some way. Great channel by the way!!!
Thank you for this video! I am re-arranging my humble system and was going to use the RCA jacks on my M&K sub thinking it would be a preferred setup. I was wrong and I thank you for explaining to me the how & why of using the speaker outs instead of the preamp outs. Very much appreciate!
When Paul says to run a sub off of the power amp, does this mean to run speaker cables from the power amp to the sub, and then from the sub to your main speakers?
Wow, you answered so many questions I had, but was afraid to ask. Thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge with everyone!
Hi Paul. I have a Heathkit AP-1800 Preamp in use with an older Kenwood KM-207. The Kenwood's Channel A Spk output is taking care of 2 tower speakers and the Channel B is available. The Heathkit AP-1800 also has hi-level speakers outputs available. However, the Heathkit has an "adapter" switch which is allowing me to use my Audio Control 520 to fine tune the levels within the Heathkit. The 520 doesn't degrade the sound quality of the Heathkit, so I want to keep using it. Will the high-level speaker outputs on the Heathkit be sending a signal that's been filtered by the Audio Control 520 to my powdered subwoofer? I apologize if I'm wasting your time, as you already stated to use the amplifier high-level Spkr outputs for the sub. I guess what I'm really asking is, would there be any potential benefit to using the Spkr outputs from the preamp Vs the Spkr outputs from the Kenwood Amp?
Sorry. 😳 Thank you.
As always you make learning feel like a fire side chat.
I am keen to take your advice, my Active Sub does have Speaker level inputs.
My Power amp only has L and R outs so I would have to use Y connectors or equivalent. Just to be shore I understand, you still recommend that? It does not 'Lessen' the main Speaker's feed or affect them ?
From the logic of the Sub, the 'Crossover' does make sense it will not draw on the high frequencies ,I presume?
So please would you give me some pointers on how to run a REL T 5/x with high level output and an Advance Paris A 12 Classic integrated amp which has those big no no dedicated subwoofer out jacks. They‘re even customizable on that big block of an amp but I‘d like to integrate the REL in the best possible way to achieve the best sound .
My TBI DPM subs have never had a problem with disappearing no what pre-amps and/or amp and speaker combinations I have used. And I have always chosen the low level pre outs. Perfect sound!
Seemed like a simple answer to a simple question but it took 7 minutes to get there ! LOL Love your stuff Paul , I was a big fan of Julian Hirsch and you remind me of him somewhat . Thanks as always for your insight
I’ve been doing this for years and absolutely love the sound. Audiophile snobs all had their opinions that I listened to but kept doing what I was doing. Why? Because I liked the sound and that’s why we own such luxuries is for the the sound reproduction that we personally enjoy. Thanks Paul
I've done it for twenty years with an Audiolab amp and Mordaunt Short Sub, at first it was only for movies but then just left it on for music.
I really like your no bs approach. Love the excitement. And you don't just "sell" your products! Excellent stuff.
hmm ... by explaining just the active subwoofer case he omits the answer I was hoping to get. how you mix both stereo channels to connect it to the sub. no problem with an active one, but what you do with a passive sub?
I really enjoy these videos when my dad wants me to go to bed early and I can’t sleep.Thank you so much.
If I am running my preamp out to my SVS subwoofer which has its own built in amp, am I running the regular low level pre-amp output to the subwoofer input? Not the high level tape type output correct? My amplifiers don't have outputs. Thank you!
What would be the best option to hook a passive sub to a Behringer Europower PMP 2000? I would like to run it with my other mains in stereo. My 15's are hooked to right/left main out and I have two 8 inch cabs daisy chained to right and left. Thanks for any advice.
Do you just run a parallel wire to the sub from the speaker-level output?
My thoughts on this Is that if one is running bookshelf speakers then the speaker output / input suggestion to “sub” makes a lot of sense and should produce good results.
By performing this suggestion the “sub” woofer is now acting as a “woofer” and subwoofer combo.
What this is really saying though is that ideally the main speakers themselves should produce the “woofer” level. Floor standing speakers have this “woofer” section covered.
Bookshelf speakers often use 1 6.5 or 5 or 4 in driver to produce mid bass and mids. We use a “sub” woofer to help fill in the bass. Too often sub maybe too big so there is deep bass and mids but no hard tight mid bass punch/kick.
This is why I’m a fan of floor standing speakers that has a dedicated “woofer”. When paired with a “sub” woofer even better.
I’m actually using the LFE sub outputs (have 2) from my pre-amp/ssp. So I’m technically running through two crossovers. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. This can potentially reduce the 120hz hump some experience when combining woofer and subwoofers.
I’m running amps to all speakers. 200x2 amp and 200x3 and 1 sub box with 2 12 in drivers one down-firing and the sub amp also has 200w. Bass is clean and tight and deep.
Question : If you have an AV amp with LFE pre out sub connected (5.1) and want to connect it for 2channel stereo as well via the speaker terminals.., is that possible ?
Only have an integrated with one set of outputs to the speakers. Would I connect a second set of wires to these same outputs to sub woofer?
so to conclude i can use the line out rca from my amp to connect to a subwoofer, correct? ... love your channel ... you have given so much knowledge
My sub (an active one) is connected exactly the way Paul sais (from the speaker power outputs of my amp) and the sound of my system is indeed amazingly rich. With a natural bass (deep and light in the same time), completely different than the one my home cinema system is producing. Perfect for music enjoyment. 😌🎶
Thanks for trying to address this topic. I was hoping to see the actual connections between the amplifier output and the subwoofer input. In this video it's not possible to see the amplifier outputs you are pointing at. Are you using both the positive and negative terminals, just as you would wire output speakers? Also, does that parallel connection affect the overall ohms the amplifier 'sees' at the output, or is the sub effectively out of the circuit?
Could the active subs share the same XLR outputs that are being connected to the speakers? If so, then could the subs be connected to the speaker terminals since there are no more spare XLR outputs available for the subs to connect to?
Could you please assist me. I have a Sony HT-M22 (5.1ch), but I don't like the bass. How can I connect an active sub to it, can I use the front channels to power it, I'm just afraid that the frequencies will not be low enough from the front channels
can I run 2 passive subs in stereo with the right and left RCA pre outs?
Hello Paul. Can you tell me if SVS SB-12-NSD has a high level input. I dont see it but it, is SVS, and not so cheep, so Im hoping Im wrong when I think it does not have it.
Do you mean the speaker cable outputs from the power amp to the the sub high level speaker cable inputs? And if the sub is active, will it not stress the output of the power amp, which is also feeding the main system stereo speakers? Can I then double wire from the power amp speaker output terminals?
I have a Denon avr x2500 7.2 im not an educated audiophile but want to learn. My understanding was to run a monster cable from my pre out to my speaker. Am I correct?
You are such a Kind spirit and I really enjoyed learning from you! Thank you!
Hello can you advice I have two subwoofers b&w asw610 and integrated network amp marantz pm7000n with only one sub pre out ,what is the best connection for this setup should I use Y subwoofer splitter and two rca mono cables for each sub or use speakers line connection with speakers cables R+L chanels?.Regards.Peter
Paul, just watched how to connect a subwooder to an amp without a subwoofer connection. Can you show where you connected it. Left/ rt speaker out? Thanks
I have powered speakers with both XLR and TRS inputs for my yamaha keyboard. I also have a powered subwoofer with rca inputs. If I'm using the TRS inputs of the speakers, can I tap off of their XLR inputs to run to my sub's RCA inputs (with adapters of course)? In other words, are both of these inputs wired together on each speaker?
Sorry Paul I'm a bit confused here, 😕 how can you hear the Sub if it's coming out of the RCA, your chosen source ie cd 💿 is chosen by the dial on the front and your sub is coming out of say Aux, ya can't choose both?
A question for someone with experience. My nice new preamp has only 1 set of speaker outs. I want to run 2 powered subs in stereo. Can I just piggyback the sub cables into the main speaker outs, into the subs? I don't want to run my main speakers from the subs.
So, I should run speaker wire from the Speaker B outputs on the power amp to the high level inputs on the subwoofer?
Hi Paul, i have a question. I have a denon Amplifier PMA 600 NE, connected to my Dali Oberon 3 speakers. I want to connect the REL T5i subwoofer, which connections of the subwoofer that will give me the best sound effects. note the denon amp as a subwoofer out put.
My Denon AVR came with dedicated sub output. My question is should I continue to use it or use the high pass on my sub to connect to my AVR ?
Hey Paul.
I have a Velodyne Sub with High Level Speaker In/Out. I have speaker cables going from amplifier to the sub's High Level Speaker In (banana plugs both ends) and using the sub's Speaker Outputs to connect to my speakers.
Is there any advantage in doing a parallel connection from amp to sub and speakers?
Cheers.
Do you need it to connect on both left and right high level speaker level input from subwoofer to the left and right output speaker level of the amplifier? Thanks.
what then would I set the gain knob to on the subwoofers to match the signal coming from the amp on my pre/volume as? Is there a meter that sees this or just turn up till it seems to fill with the speaker? Thanks.
I still don't understand how to hook up a powered sub to my power amp output since there's only one output connector per side. Do I just make a custom splitter to send the power amp output to a speaker in parallel with the hi level input of the active sub?
I’ve only just discovered PSAudio as a company and am so happy I did. Have watched heaps of Pauls’ videos now and everything he says resonates (see what I did there).
RE: the subs, this validates everything I’ve come to know as well. I’ve got two REL T5/i subs, wired directly to the amp (one right, one left) in a 2.2 setup providing low end support for a pair of B&W CM5s2 bookshelf speakers (this is the last model B&W ever did with Kevlar yellow driver that didn’t have that horrible and bright tweeter-on-top design.
My DAC is old... Emotiva XDA-2... 7 years old and doesn’t get the most out of this setup. On the hunt now for a replacement and PSAudio is top of my list, but harder to find in Australia.
PS: Being in Boulder is icing on the cake! Colorado rocky mountain high!!
Aloha from Hawaii! Excellent video Paul, I really appreciate your attention to detail in your explanations. One follow-up question though - Should I run the speaker wire from the power amp to the high-level input of the sub, then run more wire from the subs high level output to the speakers (hopefully using the subs built in crossover), or should I run wire from speaker A to my mains, and wire from speaker B to the sub and run them in parallel? Any help is appreciated.
Pity you didn't get a reply. I'd love to know too. Also does this mean there should be a sub per channel?
I also need the answer
+1
Hi, I have a Naim atom and I currently have a sub connected to a pre out on the back of the amp, I am looking at changing this to a high level input but I’m worried as I have heard that it can blow the amp if not connected correctly. The amp is a Class a/b amp and I have seen a REL video that connects to both positives on and 1 negative on the amp and then it has a big connector on the sub. My question is how do I connect a regular sub via high level. Do I just come of the terminals on the amp directly to the same terminals on the sub or do I need to be careful and rig it in a particular way?
Hey Paul! Thanks for making this and all your other vids... Your enthusiasm and love of what you do shine through!
Paul, good video. BUt How do you connect the AMP (in my case a NAD 2600 AMP combined with a NAD 1300 Pre-Amp), to the Hi Level connects on the SW (I have a Monoprice 60 Watt which has both RCA inputs and Hi gh Level connection capabilities). The NAD being 33 years ol, does not have dedicated SW outputs . Is it done via the Speaker connections?
Yes, exactly. Your sub has the right inputs so just parallel another set of speaker cables off the amp (or daisy chain from and speaker out to sub speaker level in then onwards to your speakers)
Thx Paul. By daisey chain you mean , splicing into the speaker out wires or making a second connection from either Speaker A and or Speaker B outs to the sw? If i do connect a second set of speaker wires to SW , and I have 4 speakers connected (A and B), do i need to connect both a and b speaker outs to the SW?
Paul, correction. I confused my issue. I intend to use the Monoprice 60 Watt SW with the previously mentioned NAD stereo in the LR. With that system, i have a single pair of KEF 103s ( also 33 years and still sound fantastic), so disregard the other question. I have a Pyle BT 3000 cheap Amp AV Receiver connected to a 2 sets of bookshelf speakers in the basement for music playing in the New Home office and to accompany me while playing ( or attempti ng to play) my drum set. The SW is connected to the dedicated SW outs on the Pyle Amp, directly into tne SW via RCA inputs. But while playing music cds, vinyl records or cassette tapes, i dont hear the SW kicking in to any real substantive level. Even turning the SW up ? Could it be it is more directed to kick in with video. That's what i suspect is happening. Thx again for your advice.
@@Chiroman527 You can't mix A and B outputs unless they are identical and then you don't need to. The speaker cables from A, let's say, go directly to the subwoofer. Then from there, tie a second set of speaker cables in parallel at the subwoofer's inputs and then those go to your speakers.
I need help. The video cuts off on the bottom so I can't see where he's plugging it into the receiver.
I have an active sub with high level input, so where do I plug it into my marantz Sr5500? I'm using just 2 front speakers and need to add said sub.
Thx
I've been using my headphone jack for a line out. into a 4 way crossover then into my sub amp. dose the headphone jack even have the sub-lows for a sub?
Hi Paul once again is the glass half full or is the glass half empty you remind me of my grandfather with Alzheimer's thanks Paul and have a great day😊
I have a slightly different question. I have a pair of Polk Audio tower speakers. super high quality. although they're 20 years old and had Very little use. (maybe one year)
they have 2 8 inch subwoofers. they look identical from the outside. 1 woofer is active. the speaker itself has a built in amp. and the other woofer is a passive woofer.
how to I wire the 2 subwoofers to the amp?
otherwise. instead of having 1 powered sub. having both being active subwoofers?
thanks.
Thank you Mr. Paul,
In my closet of stereo stuff I haven’t used in years in a Yamaha YST SW200 sub. It has speaker level in /out and RCA in.
Q1. Could I use the outs of the speakers level in /out and go to my audiophile speakers without degrading the audio signal to the speakers?
Q2. I have a Yamaha receiver that has speaker B outs. I could use the B channel just to power the sub. The knob has a speaker A plus B
Q3. I would like to use my McIntosh 2100 with either the Magnaplanars, Vandersteens or Focals. I like the smoothness of a vacuum amplifier in the same way that the analogue tv’s displayed differing gradations of gray to black vs a digital tv whereby you see big jumps or lines of contrast where the grays go to black. In either setup I would like to add my Yamaha YST. I could series the speakers and sub and then just use the higher resistance speaker out on the McIntosh.
Q4. I could leave the music source to the McIntosh to the front speakers uncorrupted and use a powered RCA splitter (I have one) from the music source directly to a splitter then one pair out to the McIntosh 2100 and the other to the active RCA in on the subwoofer. I am unsure if the active RCA splitter injects noise or distortion unwanted into the 2100 signal path?
I have a few subs that only have RCA socket inputs, so I ended up modifying a few amplifiers to suit, all I am doing is taking the main amp stereo outs and running them though a simple voltage divider (no sub filtering etc) to feed an RCA socket 'sub out' socket. My initial reason for doing it this way was there was insufficient level from the main volume control, and the only other point past there is the main amp out's. I wanted the feed to be after the system's main volume control so that the sub's volume follows the main L&R stereo out levels.
I'm using powered subs and I let my Dirac system sort out the woofing. I do have outputs for the subs on my preamp. Have you tried the Dirac system Paul?
Thanks Paul, I took your advice and hooked up my Dual SVS PB-1000 subs to the high level inputs using speaker cable from my XPA-2 amplifier. It did make a difference, one that I immediately heard. I am still dialing it in, but the sound, especially with 2 channel audio is more natural, blending in nicely with my SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers. I'm really liking the new sound.
How? I have dual sb2000 how do you connect it to a 2 ch amp?
@@kennethroymonterroyo5657 You can use two Y cables or two RCA adapters, one male RCA input with two Female RCA outputs x 2. Pretty easy to do. I have my SB3000 subs hooked up using the RCA adapters I bought on Amazon. RCA F Splitter Plug Adapter 1 Male to 2 Female Adapter - RCA Male to RCA Dual Female (4 Pack)
If you do use the RCA outputs of a preamp be aware the extra load (resistive and capacitive) could present a problem if the preamp doesn't have low impedence output - some older preamps may not have low impedance outputs. If you suspect this just listen to the system with the sub sifnal cable disconnected and again with the cable connected but the sub powered off.
If the high frequency response seems off with the sub connected you may have to find a different solution.
Wont the active subwoofer be already providing its own flavor? Y then high level input?
What about amps (e.g. many of the tube integrated ones) that have taps for only one set of speakers? I can think of some that have an 0 Ohm, a 4 Ohm and a 8 Ohm tap FOR EACH channel. Say you have a pair of 4 or 8 Ohm bookshelf speakers. You connect their positive to the 4 or 8 Ohm tap, and their negative to the 0 Ohm tap. Does this leave any room for SW connection?
Excellent video! Do you prefer connecting power amp >Sub >speakers to take stress off the mains using the subwoofers crossover, or power amp > Sub & speakers to just add punch? I have an Onkyo 504 which has speakers A, or B, or A+B, so I could technically switch the sub signal off and on which is nice, but this wouldn't cut any frequencies out from my mains.
We have a REL328 it's awesome. Connected as the maker recommended. Sub LFE output from home theatre amp to the sub input on the REL, and the speaker cable left / right Piggy backed from the dedicated front Left and right amp to the REL high level input. That dedicated front left / right amp is also for dedicated music listening. All works brilliantly.
Very informative video, thanks! I would like to ask if you think Paul that one Subwoofer is adequate or not.
To everybody on this thread: does high level input on your SVS sub sound good? I have REL sub that I know that it does sound very good but I am not sure about other brands like SVS.
Thanks in advance!
Hi, one question: Should I connect the sub in parallel to the speakers or connect the speakers to the sub? My sub has power amp inputs and also outputs to speakers. Currently I run it from the preamp out but I want to try out your suggestion here.
Hi there Paul, Got a question you may have encountered before.Currently running a av set up with a denon x4500avr.This has 2 sub outputs.Running it to play music and movies independently so the stereo side of things run through a pre and power amp.Hoping to add 2 subs as an upgrade over my old faithful MJ Acoustics sub which does a splendid job of simultaneously running the av and stereo side of things,without me messing around with switches to constantly change.Any thoughts on any subs that may fit this criteria,preferably 2 when time comes. Best regards Pete
I'd love to see how you connect speaker terminal outputs on a power amplifier to any powered subwoofer. Just an extra set of speaker cables, in addition to the cables connected to the speakers the amp is already powering?
No, you need a special High Level to Low Level adapter cable for this, it's also used in the car industry to connect a sub to an amplifier that doesn't have an other pre outputs, I am also looking for it, in mine opinion PS audio is missing an opportunity here not making such a cable for all subwoofer enthusiasts that want to connect their sub to their amplifier outputs...
Does it matter if you have two mono amps that drive each speaker? Can you use either amp's output to connect to the sub's inputs?
There is another way. My 2-channel integrated NAD amp has a pre-amp out, not a sub out. Works great with my Martin Logan sub.
Actually the channel LFE ( the .1 thing) is no more used by IMax. They use this channel for "height channel ".
Bass management ( summing all channels using a op-amp , usually called as buffer and then it will go through signal processing ( in case of DSP) or active filter and phase correction of required.
So go for an active filter ( you can do it yourself using any good op amp chips or buy a ready made subwoofer filter board and then fed the output to any class D amp board ( go for tda8954 if you have dual power supply or tda7498 or just use a class AB - tda 7293 bridge parellel to deliver true 400 watts
I agree with Paul, active sub connected to the amplifiers output. I recently bought an Audio Physic Terra, the original before it was named Rhea...My God, it is absolutely fantastic. Have a large room, and this beast can do 10hz almost flat..and when you stand right in front of it when playing REAL deep bass, you wonder whether it is active or not, you hear and feel nothing where it is. Once upon, and still, referred to as one of the few "True Subs"
I’m using a Logitech subwoofer that Came with my old computer speaker set. I have run the rca subwoofer Chablé from Walmart from the auxiliary RCA jack in the back, to the subwoofer out of an old Yamaha AVR I got off craigslist for $30. My main speakers are the Klipsch RP-150M for bedroom listening at my desk and movie watching. I got them from amazon for $260 in cherry veneer. Super happy with my purchases. Total cost including cables and avr was about $310. Happy birthday to me.
I have a passive sub, an old one that was sold by DAK. My AV receiver has a low level sub woofer output, and I'm using this to drive an external amp (70-100 watts per channel into 6 ohms which is the impedance of the DAK SW.) I use a Y cable to split the mono SW output to drive both channels of the external amp, which then drives each channel of the SW. The DAK SW is a passive one, with a speaker level crossover, it has outputs for the Left and Right main speakers, but I'm not using those. It's a dual VC speaker, and each VC is now driven by its own power amplifier.
I realize this is old video, but if you’re still listening. My JVC ja s77 amplifier has a left/right RCA pre out. Is this the same signal quality for using a sun or just stick with the speaker outs. Also say if you’re using both A and B channels and you’re running a sub with high level inputs and outputs then out to your speakers does the sun remove any of the signal? Love the channel, learning a lot.
If you are running mono do you need to connect the sub to both, and how would you do it?
If and when the amp has speaker 1 and speaker 2 outputs, should i hook the two subs to speaker 2 or run wiring from main speakers to subs and only use speaker 1 at the amp?
Have a McIntosh 1700 receiver hooked up to Bose 301 Series II speakers. Hooking up to a Sunfire Jr sub with Paul's instructions. Big difference.